HOME SWEET HOME: GOV SIGNS BILL BILL SPOSORED BY SENATOR MURPHY THAT HELPS FUND STATE RUN VETERANS’ HOMES

 

HOME SWEET HOME: GOV SIGNS BILL  BILL SPOSORED BY SENATOR MURPHY
THAT HELPS FUND STATE RUN VETERANS’ HOMES
Albany, NY – Heading into his second term in office, Senator Terrence Murphy has fulfilled his pledge to make quality care more accessible for the former service men and women who protected our freedoms. A new bill sponsored by Senator Murphy, was signed into law and will establish business franchise and personal income tax gifts to support the state veterans’ homes.

“We owe it to our veterans to care for them as they age,” said Senator Murphy. “This legislation will enhance quality of care for our veterans. It provides a simple way to donate to state-operated veterans’ homes just by checking off a box on their tax returns.”
The new legislation calls for the Commissioner of Taxation and Finance to include space on personal income tax return forms to give taxpayers the option to make a contribution to veterans’ homes.  It also creates the Veterans’ Home Assistance Fund, which will be financed by tax donations earmarked specifically for the support of five veterans’ homes in the state. The five homes are located in New York City, Oxford, Batavia, Montrose and at Stony Brook University.

“It is important we continue to serve as advocates for people who might not otherwise have a voice in government,” said Dutchess County Legislator Mark Coviello. “This bill will bring imperative relief to the veterans’ home system. There is nothing greater than being able to help someone who deserves to be helped.”

“With health care cost on the rise, something needed to be done to help provide our veterans with the services they deserve,” said Ron Tocci, Director of the Westchester County Veterans Service Agency. “This new funding mechanism is a start, and is a convenient way to help continue to provide shelter for the men and women who bravely served their country.”

Assemblyman Mike Miller added, “This was a bill about charity. Veterans at these homes have given so much to our country.  Establishing the Veterans’ Home Assistance Fund was a great start but getting the general public involved was the real challenge.  I would like to thank Senator Terrence Murphy who sponsored this bill in the Senate. I believe the next step is raising awareness regarding these future contributions.”

Author: Harlem Valley News